Wikipedia

Babylon (singer)

In this Korean name, the family name is Lee.

Lee Jong-min (Korean: 이종민; born October 1988), better known by his stage name Babylon[A] (베이빌론), is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and dancer. He debuted as an idol in the five-member group N-Train under Media Line Entertainment, where he served as a vocalist from 2011 to its dissolution in 2013. He debuted as a soloist in 2015 with "Pray" and released his debut studio album Caelo in 2018.

Babylon
Babylon in April 2018
BornOctober 1988 (age 36)
South Korea
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • rapper
  • dancer
Musical career
Also known asSoul J
GenresK-pop, R&B
InstrumentVocals
Years active2011–present
Labels
  • Media Line
  • KQ
Websitekqent.com
Korean name
Hangul
이종민
Revised RomanizationI Jong-min
McCune–ReischauerI Chongmin
Stage name
Hangul
베이빌론
Revised RomanizationBeibillon
McCune–ReischauerPeipillon

Life and career

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1988–2013: Early life and career beginnings

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Babylon was born Lee Jong-min in October 1988.[3][4] After sustaining multiple injuries as a rugby footballer in high school and casting doubt over his career in the sport, he joined a black music club and was influenced to pursue a career as an R&B singer.[2][5] A singer, rapper, and dancer, Babylon trained with Media Line Entertainment for three years prior to starting his career as an idol.[6][7] Under the stage name Soul J, he debuted as a member of N-Train with "One Last Cry" on May 25, 2011.[8] The group issued three commercially unsuccessful releases, leading to its disbandment two years later.[9]

2014–present: As a soloist

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After completing mandatory military service, Babylon became an independent musician.[3] Inspired by the name of a bar in the film Scarface (1983), he adopted his moniker "Babylon" in July 2014.[1][10] He began posting mixtapes onto hip-hop websites that year, which led to rappers contacting him to collaborate.[11] He was featured on a string of singles, including Paloalto's "Good Times" and "Cheers" alongside Gaeko, Yankie, and Beenzino.[12] Babylon released his debut solo single "Pray" in June 2015.[13] After being contacted by Zico to collaborate, the pair released "Boys and Girls" in November.[14] The single topped South Korea's national Gaon Digital Chart and sold over 2.5 million downloads domestically.[15][16] The single's success earned Babylon the nicknames "Zico's Man" and the "R&B Rising Trend", and the singer was heralded as a leading figure in R&B along with Zion.T, Crush, and Dean.[17][18] It also established the pair's respective signature sounds.[19]

Babylon signed with KQ Produce, a sub-label of KQ Entertainment, in 2016.[20] He released the song "Real Talk" on SoundCloud in precedence to the release of his first single album.[21] On April 28, Between Us and its lead single "U & Me" featuring rapper Dok2 were released.[22][23] Babylon released his second single album Fantasy and accompanying singles "Crush on You" featuring hip hop musician Lil Boi and "Today I Think of You" with singer Kim Na-young on June 23.[24] Babylon released a collaboration with rapper Yezi entitled "Chase" three months later.[25] He released his debut studio album Caelo on October 3, 2018.[26]

Musical style

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Musically, Babylon is a R&B singer-songwriter.[27] Noted for having a "honey voice", he has been widely acclaimed in the hip hop community.[11][12] Babylon has cited Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, You Hee-yeol, and Kim Sung-jae as his role models.[3] He identifies Brown, Musiq Soulchild, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Kehlani as the influences over his music.[11][28]

Discography

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See also: N-Train § Discography

Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[29]
Caelo 74
Hardy
  • Released: February 4, 2021
  • Label: Babylon, Sony Music Korea
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Ego 90's
  • Released: July 19, 2022
  • Label: Babylon, Sony Music Korea
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Ego 90's Part 2
  • Released: December 15, 2022
  • Label: Babylon, Sony Music Korea
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Colors
  • Released: September 7, 2023
  • Label: Babylon, Sony Music Korea
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —

Singles

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As lead artist

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Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[30]
"Pray" 2015 — Non-album single
"U & Me" (너 나 우리; Neo Na Uri)
(featuring Dok2) 		2016 69 Between Us (single album)
"Crush on You" (처음 본 여자는 다 예뻐; Cheoeum Bon Yeojaneun Da Yeppeo)
(featuring Lil Boi) 		61 Fantasy (single album)
"Today I Think of You" (오늘도 난; Oneuldo Nan)
(featuring Kim Na-young) 		—
"Chase" (끌려다녀; Kkeullyeodanyeo)
(with Yezi) 		— Non-album single
"Ocean Drive"
(featuring San E) 		2017 — S.S.F.W. (single album)
"Lalala" (라라라)
(featuring Chungha) 		— La Vida Loca (single album)
"Everything"
(with Hwanhee) 		2018 — Non-album singles
"Everything"
(with Eric Benét) 		—
"One More Night"
(featuring Vinxen) 		— Caelo
"Karma"
(featuring Bewhy, Verbal Jint, The Quiett, TakeOne, Nucksal) 		—
"Remember" (그리운 건 그때 그대; Geuriun Geon Geuttae Geudae)
(featuring Jung Il-hoon of BtoB) 		— Non-album single
"Shadow" (덧칠; Deotchil) 2019 —
"Shadows from the Moon" (너의 두 눈 속 빛나는 달; Neoeui Du Nun Sok Bitnaneun Dal) —
"Season of Rain" (비는 내리고 음악은 흐르고; Bineun Naerigo Eumakeun Heureugo)
(featuring Wall E) 		—
"Out of Breath" (행복해지고 싶어; Haengbokhaejigo Shipeo)
(with Suzy) 		—
"I Will Be Your Warmth" (너의 온기가 되어줄게; Neoeui Ongiga Doeeojulge)
(with Yeri) 		—
"Nice Weather"
(with Gaho) 		2020 —
"Automatic"
(with Chancellor, twlv, Moon, Bibi, and Jiselle) 		—
"Automatic Remix"
(with Chancellor, Jay Park, Lee Hi, Bibi, Jamie, Moon, Bumkey, Samuel Seo, Suran, Hoody,
Sumin, MRSHLL, Ann One, Elo, twlv, oceanfromtheblue, Jiselle, Sole, Thama, K.vsh, Jinbo,
Jerd, Soovi, B.E.D., Xydo, Owell Mood, and None) 		—
"Alone" (혼자; Honja)
(with Lee Hyori) 		2021 — Hardy
"Like Song" (너가 좋아하는 노래; Neoga Johahaneun Norae)
(featuring Jay Park) 		—
"Empty" (0 Her ㅎrl; 0 Her Hrl)
(featuring Nafla) 		— Non-album single
"Beautiful" (잘 어울려; Jal Eoullyeo)
(featuring Sam Kim) 		2022 — Ego 90's
"Rain" (비가 와; Biga Wa)
(featuring Uhm Jung-hwa) 		—
"Blue Heart" (블루하트; Beullu Hateu)
(featuring Lee Hyun-do of Deux) 		—
"Do or Die"
(featuring Wheesung) 		—
"Missing You" (그리움; Geurium)
(featuring Boni) 		—
"Call Me Anytime" (언제라도; Eonjerado) —
"Fantasy" (몽상가; Mongsangga)
(featuring Gary, Ali) 		— Ego 90's Part 2
"Tonight" (오늘 밤; Oneul Bam) —
"Think About You" (널 생각해; Neol Saenggakhae)
(featuring K.Will) 		—
"Heater" (히터; Hiteo)
(featuring Jung In) 		—
"Destiny"
(featuring Yuju) 		2023 — Colors
"Pink Day"
(featuring Seolhyun) 		—
"Empty Canvas"
(featuring Lee Young-ji and Layone) 		—
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Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[36]
"Are You Listening?" (이노래 듣고있어?)
(MJ featuring Babylon) 		2014 — Non-album single
"Good Times"
(Paloalto featuring Babylon) 		— Cheers
"Cheers"
(Gaeko and Yankie featuring Beenzino and Babylon) 		2015 26
  • KOR: 152,962[C]
 Non-album single
"Blu"
(Iron featuring Babylon) 		35
  • KOR: 122,979[D]
"In the Club" (클럽에서; Keulleobeseo)
(ChaMane featuring Babylon) 		— 20
"Boys and Girls"
(Zico featuring Babylon) 		1 Gallery
"A Year Like a Day" (하루 같은 일년; Haru Gateun Ilnyeon)
(2lson featuring Babylon and NiiHwa) 		65 1 Year
"Out of Time"
(Snacky Chan featuring Babylon) 		2016 — Non-album single
"You Can Rest" (쉬어도 돼; Swieodo Dwae)
(Crucial Star featuring Babylon) 		2017 91 Maze Garden
"Stand Up"
(Eden featuring Babylon) 		— Urban Hymns
"Beautiful Life"
(DJ Juice featuring San E, Verbal Jint, and Babylon) 		— Beatful Life
"Killin It"
(Maniac featuring Koonta and Babylon) 		— Show Me the Money 6 Special
"Break"
(Verbal Jint featuring Babylon) 		— No Excuses
"Casanova" (카사노바; Kasanoba)
(YDG featuring Babylon and Carlos) 		2018 — Song One
"Spoiler"
(Jung Il-hoon featuring Babylon) 		2019 — Non-album single
"Stay"
(Jang Woo-hyuk featuring Babylon) 		—
"All of My Life"
(Bumkey featuring Babylon) 		2021 —
"Night Time Love"
(Queen Wasabii featuring Babylon) 		— Spicy Flower
"Back in the Day (RnB Version)"
(TOMNIg featuring Babylon and N.Y.L.A) 		2022 — 12 Years Of Digscvry
"When You Approach" (다가갈 때; Dagagal Ttae)
(Yaru featuring Babylon) 		— Non-album single
"Wherewegoing"
(MUSM featuring Babylon and JIIN) 		2023 — MUSM op.5
"Blush"
(Narsha featuring Babylon) 		— Non-album single

Guest appearances

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Title Year Other performer(s) Release
"Be About It" 2015 The Quiett 1 Life 2 Live
"Pathfinder" 2016 TK, Nucksal Tourist
"Yah!" (야!; Ya!) Kwon Jin-ah One Strange Night
"I Can't Do Everything" (아무것도 못하겠어; Amugeotdo Mothagesseo) MC Mong U.F.O
"Candy" (캔디; Kaendi) Bang Seung-ji Duet Song Festival Episode 29
"Day by Day" (하루하루; Haru Haru) Bang Seung-ji Duet Song Festival Episode 30
"My Reflection on My Mind" (내 마음에 비친 내 모습; Nae Maeume Bichin Nae Moseup) 2017 P.O, Eden 30 Years Yoo Jae-ha, Forever as We Are
"Beemer" 2018 Han Yo-han Dragon Bike
"Drive" Eden, Cho Seung-youn Eden_Stardust.04
"How We Do" 2019 Oh Ha-young Oh!
"Trial and Error" (시행착오; Sihaengchago) 2020 Davii, Minah Cinema
"Love That Only Heaven Allows" (하늘만 허락한 사랑; Sihaengchago) 2022 — Hidden Singer7 - Episode. 7

Soundtrack appearances

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Title Year Other performer(s) Release Ref.
"You" 2017 Czaer, Far East Movement Man to Man OST
"Memories" 2018 — Lawless Lawyer OST

Filmography

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Television series
Title Year Role Notes Ref.
Show Me the Money 2016 Himself Seasons 5 [49]
King of Mask Singer 2018 Himself Episodes 149–150 [50]

Notes

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  1. ^ Pronounced /beɪbiːɑːn/ BAY-bee-lahn, it was originally pronounced /bæbɪɑːn/ BA-bi-lahn (바빌론). Spelling of the latter overlapped with a savings bank with the same name, which made searches for the singer difficult.[1] He modified his stage name upon signing with KQ Produce.[2]
  2. ^ Accumulation of "Crush on You" weekly sales: 37,766,[32] 20,785.[33]
  3. ^ Accumulation of "Cheers" weekly sales: 80,811,[37] 55,305,[38] 16,846.[39]
  4. ^ Accumulation of "Blu" weekly sales: 50,638,[40] 23,185,[41] 15,600,[42] 10,478,[43] 6,762,[44] 5,079,[45] 4,485,[46] 3,660,[47] 3,092.[48]

References

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  1. ^ a b Moon, Wan-shik (April 28, 2016). 바빌론(X) 베이비론(X) 베이빌론(O)(인터뷰①). Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Park, Su-in (April 29, 2016). [팝인터뷰]베이빌론, 음악으로 만들어낸 '우리'라는 연결고리. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c Im, Ju-hyeon (April 15, 2016). 베이빌론, 지코 피처링에서 정식데뷔.."좋은 빛 낼게요"(인터뷰). Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  4. ^ Park, Gwi-im (July 27, 2016). '컬투쇼' 베이빌론 "생년월일 공개 안 한 이유? 음악 먼저". TVreport (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  5. ^ Kim, Eun-ku (May 2, 2016). '데뷔곡으로 1위' 베이빌론 "음악도 사랑도 이 이름 안에서". Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  6. ^ Lee, Jeong-a (June 20, 2016). [인터뷰]베이빌론 "내 3%만 보고 100% 안다고 생각지 말았으면". SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Seoul Broadcasting System. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  7. ^ Cha, Yeon (May 25, 2011). 알앤비 아이돌 엔트레인, 김창환 사단 응원 속 데뷔. No Cut News (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  8. ^ Lee, Ji-seok (March 7, 2019). [단독]우디 '음원논란' 입열다 "차트 1위날 통장잔고 6500원, 사재기 여력 없어"[SS인터뷰①]. Sportsseoul (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  9. ^ Lee, Ji-seok (March 7, 2019). '이 노래가 클럽에서~' 우디 "암투병 아버지 기뻐하셔서 행복"[SS인터뷰②]. Sportsseoul (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  10. ^ Moon, Wan-shik (April 28, 2016). 베이빌론 "지코의 남자?"(인터뷰②). Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c Kim, So-yeon (March 23, 2016). [곧 뜰거야] 다듀·지코가 찍은 베이비론, 꿀성대의 반란. Star Today (in Korean). Maekyung Media Group. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  12. ^ a b Lee, Ji-seok (May 3, 2019). '뮤지션이 인정한 뮤지션' 베이빌론이 본 '지코·개코·빈지노·도끼·예은'. Sportsseoul (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  13. ^ Park, Kun-wook (June 13, 2016). 베이빌론, '2016 밸리록 페스티벌' 출연 확정. News1 Korea (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  14. ^ Park, So-yeong (April 15, 2016). To. 지코=가식없는 아티스트..From 베이빌론[인터뷰]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  15. ^ Kim, Myeong-su (November 12, 2015). 소녀시대 태연 '아이', 가온차트 10월 월간차트 3관왕. Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  16. ^ a b C., Daniel (December 12, 2018). "Circle Chart" Gaon's 관찰노트 (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  17. ^ Hong, Hye-min (May 10, 2016). 베이빌론의 '추천' 플레이리스트 5… "최애곡은 Kehlani 'Down for you'" (인터뷰). News Inside (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  18. ^ Kim, Han-kil (April 28, 2016). 베이빌론, 데뷔 싱글부터 음원 강타 '신예 R&B 라인 형성하나'. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  19. ^ Yu, Eun-yeong (June 21, 2016). 지코·베이빌론의 '시그니처 사운드'…"건강한 자기 표현 방식". Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  20. ^ Lee, Ho-yeon (April 26, 2016). '보이스앤걸스' 베이빌론, 지코와 한솥밥 "3대 R&B 라인". Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  21. ^ Jung, Jin-yeong (April 17, 2016). '지코의 남자' 베이빌론, '리얼 톡' 깜짝 공개…"팬 위한 선물'. Aju News (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  22. ^ Kim, Ha-jin (April 22, 2016). 베이빌론, 새 음반에 도끼부터 원더걸스 예은까지 '화려한 라인업'. 10asia (in Korean). Korean Entertainment Media. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  23. ^ Sun, Mi-kyeong (April 28, 2016). [한밤의 신곡] 베이빌론, 지코의 남자 이상..느낌있는 매력 어필. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  24. ^ Moon, Wan-sik (June 23, 2016). [0시★다방] 베이빌론의 유혹..'처음 본 여자는 다 예뻐'. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  25. ^ Jang, Kyeong-kuk (September 8, 2016). 예지X베이빌론, '끌려다녀' 공개… R&B 감성 '취향저격'. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Dong-a Company. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  26. ^ Kim, Gyeong-wook (October 3, 2018). 베이빌론, 오늘(3일) 첫 정규 'CAELO' 공개…무의식 세계 담아낸 앨범. White Paper (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  27. ^ Jung, Jin-yeong (April 29, 2016). [인터뷰] 베이빌론이 물었다, 너 나 우리가 될래요?. Aju News (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  28. ^ Hong, Hye-min (May 16, 2016). [SS인터뷰] 'R&B 신성' 베이빌론, 엉뚱하지만 진지한 '만능' R&B 뮤지션의 등장. News Inside (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  29. ^ "Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  30. ^ "Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  31. ^ "Circle Chart" 2016년 18주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  32. ^ "Circle Chart" 2016년 26주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  33. ^ "Circle Chart" 2016년 27주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  34. ^ "Circle Chart" 2016년 26주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  35. ^ "Circle Chart" 2016년 37주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  36. ^ "Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  37. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 01월 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  38. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 02월 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  39. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 03월 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  40. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 15주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  41. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 16주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  42. ^ "Circle Chart" 2015년 17주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  43. ^ 2015년 18주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  44. ^ 2015년 19주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  45. ^ 2015년 20주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  46. ^ 2015년 21주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  47. ^ 2015년 22주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  48. ^ 2015년 23주차 Download Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  49. ^ 비와이.자이언티 등 출연 '더 몬스터' 공연 개최...쇼미더머니5 출연진 대거 무대에. Kookje Newspaper (in Korean). July 17, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  50. ^ Baek, Yoong-hee (April 23, 2018). '복면가왕' 베이빌론 "잊지 못할 추억…좋은 곡으로 보답하겠다" 소감 전해. MBN Star (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
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